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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Publisher Correction: A repeated cross-sectional and longitudinal study of mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19 lockdowns in Victoria, Australia

BMC Public Health. 2023 Jan 13;23(1):97. doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-14963-3.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:36639758 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-022-14963-3

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Clinical efficacy of styloid incision truncation via percutaneous punching in treating styloid process syndrome

J Orthop Surg Res. 2023 Jan 14;18(1):38. doi: 10.1186/s13018-022-03486-7.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the clinical efficacy of styloid incision truncation via percutaneous punching in treating styloid process (styloid) syndrome.

METHODS: The clinical data of 40 styloid syndrome patients treated in our hospital from July 2018 to August 2021 were chosen and divided into an observation group and a control group in a random manner, with 20 cases in each. The control group received treatment with styloid truncation via an external cervical approach, and the observation group received treatment with styloid incision truncation via percutaneous punching. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, length of truncated styloid, clinical efficacy, pain scores, postoperative complications and inflammatory cytokine levels were assessed in the both groups.

RESULTS: The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, length of truncated styloid and hospital stay in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). VAS pain scores were higher in both groups after the operation compared to before the operation. However, the observation group showed a statistically significant reduction in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). The treatment effectiveness and complication rates of the two groups exhibited significant differences (P < 0.05). After the operation, TNF-α, CRP, and IL-6 levels in both groups were elevated compared to those before the operation. The observation group, however, showed significant depletion compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Styloid incision truncation via percutaneous punching was not only effective in treating styloid syndrome, but also caused less trauma and fewer complications. It promotes patient recovery and requires a simple operation, making it worthy of promotion in hospitals.

PMID:36639752 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-022-03486-7

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Predictors of time to first symptomatic recovery of major depressive disordered patients: a case study at Jimma University Medical Center

BMC Psychiatry. 2023 Jan 13;23(1):37. doi: 10.1186/s12888-022-04443-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Major Depressive Disorder is one of the most common mental disorders, and it is the main cause of disability worldwide with a prevalence ranging from 7 to 21%.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to predict the time it took for patients with severe depressive disorders at Jimma University Medical Center to experience their initial symptomatic recovery.

STUDY DESIGN: The researchers utilized a prospective study design.

METHODS: Patients with major depressive disorder were followed up on at Jimma University Medical Center from September 2018 to August 2020 for this study. The Gamma and Inverse Gaussian frailty distributions were employed with Weibull, Log-logistic, and Log-normal as baseline hazard functions. Akaike Information Criteria were used to choose the best model for describing the data.

RESULTS: This study comprised 366 patients, with 54.1% of them experiencing their first symptomatic recovery from a severe depressive disorder. The median time from the onset of symptoms to symptomatic recovery was 7 months. In the study area, there was a clustering effect in terms of time to first symptomatic recovery from major depressive disorder. According to the Log-normal Inverse-Gaussian frailty model, marital status, chewing khat, educational status, work status, substance addiction, and other co-variables were significant predictors of major depressive disorder (p-value < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The best model for describing the time to the first symptomatic recovery of major depressive disorder is the log-normal Inverse-Gaussian frailty model. Being educated and working considerably were the variables that reduces the time to first symptomatic recovery from major depressive disorder; whereas being divorced, chewing khat, substance abused and other co-factors were the variables that significantly extends the time to first symptomatic recovery.

PMID:36639751 | DOI:10.1186/s12888-022-04443-8

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Reporter gene assays and chromatin-level assays define substantially non-overlapping sets of enhancer sequences

BMC Genomics. 2023 Jan 13;24(1):17. doi: 10.1186/s12864-023-09123-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Transcriptional enhancers are essential for gene regulation, but how these regulatory elements are best defined remains a significant unresolved question. Traditional definitions rely on activity-based criteria such as reporter gene assays, while more recently, biochemical assays based on chromatin-level phenomena such as chromatin accessibility, histone modifications, and localized RNA transcription have gained prominence.

RESULTS: We examine here whether these two types of definitions, activity-based and chromatin-based, effectively identify the same sets of sequences. We find that, concerningly, the overlap between the two groups is strikingly limited. Few of the data sets we compared displayed statistically significant overlap, and even for those, the degree of overlap was typically small (below 40% of sequences). Moreover, a substantial batch effect was observed in which experiment set rather than experimental method was a primary driver of whether or not chromatin-defined enhancers showed a strong overlap with reporter gene-defined enhancers.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results raise important questions as to the appropriateness of both old and new enhancer definitions, and suggest that new approaches are required to reconcile the poor agreement among existing methods for defining enhancers.

PMID:36639739 | DOI:10.1186/s12864-023-09123-9

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Effect of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) on lowering of blood glucose levels in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients: study protocol for a prospective, open-label, randomized controlled trial

Trials. 2023 Jan 14;24(1):26. doi: 10.1186/s13063-022-07060-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common perinatal condition. Convincing evidence has shown that hyperglycemia and other chronic comorbidities of diabetes during the prenatal period increase maternal and fetal risk. Several guidelines have identified lifestyle management as the first-line therapy in GDM patients. To improve the efficacy of lifestyle intervention, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is proposed as a solution to improve clinical outcomes. The objective of this trial is to determine the efficacy in treating hyperglycemia of mobile-based CBT interventions in GDM patients, compared with conventional face-to-face interventions. METHODS: This trial is designed as a prospective randomized controlled trial, which enrolled the patients diagnosed with GDM in First People’s Hospital of Kunshan affiliated with Jiangsu University from September 2021 to March 2023 with a 3-month follow-up. The specific randomization method was established and implemented through the central randomization system of EDC clinical trials. The percentage of all blood glucose levels collected within the normal range between the two groups at baseline, during the intervention period, and postpartum infant and maternal outcomes will be measured. Summary statistics for continuous variables will include the number of subjects, mean, median, SD, or the standard error, minimum, and maximum. The chi-square test, t test, and paired-sample t test were used for statistical analysis of differences between groups.

DISCUSSION: This trial investigates the effects of mobile-based CBT intervention on blood glucose levels in GDM patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100048527) [registered: 2021/07/09].

PMID:36639702 | DOI:10.1186/s13063-022-07060-8

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Repurposing nitric oxide donating drugs in cancer therapy through immune modulation

J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2023 Jan 14;42(1):22. doi: 10.1186/s13046-022-02590-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide-releasing drugs are used for cardiovascular diseases; however, their effects on the tumor immune microenvironment are less clear. Therefore, this study explored the impact of nitric oxide donors on tumor progression in immune-competent mice.

METHODS: The effects of three different nitric oxide-releasing compounds (SNAP, SNP, and ISMN) on tumor growth were studied in tumor-bearing mouse models. Three mouse tumor models were used: B16F1 melanoma and LL2 lung carcinoma in C57BL/6 mice, CT26 colon cancer in BALB/c mice, and LL2 lung carcinoma in NOD/SCID mice. After nitric oxide treatment, splenic cytokines and lymphocytes were analyzed by cytokine array and flow cytometry, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in the TME were analyzed using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing.

RESULTS: Low doses of three exogenous nitric oxide donors inhibited tumor growth in two immunocompetent mouse models but not in NOD/SCID immunodeficient mice. Low-dose nitric oxide donors increase the levels of splenic cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α but decrease the levels of cytokines IL-6 and IL-10, suggesting an alteration in Th2 cells. Nitric oxide donors increased the number of CD8+ T cells with activation gene signatures, as indicated by single-cell RNA sequencing. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed an increase in infiltrating CD8+ T cells and dendritic cells. The antitumor effect of nitric oxide donors was abolished by depletion of CD8+ T cells, indicating the requirement for CD8+ T cells. Tumor inhibition correlated with a decrease in a subtype of protumor macrophages and an increase in a subset of Arg1-positive macrophages expressing antitumor gene signatures. The increase in this subset of macrophages was confirmed by flow cytometry analysis. Finally, the combination of low-dose nitric oxide donor and cisplatin induced an additive cancer therapeutic effect in two immunocompetent animal models. The enhanced therapeutic effect was accompanied by an increase in the cells expressing the gene signature of NK cell.

CONCLUSIONS: Low concentrations of exogenous nitric oxide donors inhibit tumor growth in vivo by regulating T cells and macrophages. CD8+ T cells are essential for antitumor effects. In addition, low-dose nitric oxide donors may be combined with chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer therapy in the future.

PMID:36639681 | DOI:10.1186/s13046-022-02590-0

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Bacteria spatial tracking in Urban Park soils with MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry and Specific PCR

BioData Min. 2023 Jan 14;16(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s13040-022-00318-6.

ABSTRACT

Urban parks constitute one of the main leisure areas, especially for the most vulnerable people in our society, children, and the elderly. Contact with soils can pose a health risk. Microbiological testing is a key aspect in determining whether they are suitable for public use. The aim of this work is to map the spatial distribution of potential dangerous Enterobacteria but also bioremediation useful (lipase producers) isolates from soils in an urban park in the area of Valencia (Spain). To this end, our team has collected 25 samples of soil and isolated 500 microorganisms, using a mobile application to collect information of the soil samples (i.e. soil features, temperature, humidity, etc.) with geolocation. A combined protocol including matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and 16S rDNA sequencing PCR has been established to characterize the isolates. The results have been processed using spatial statistical techniques (using Kriging method), taking into account the number of isolated strains, also proving the reactivity against standard pathogenic bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus aureus), and have increased the number of samples (to 896 samples) by interpolating spatially each parameter with this statistical method. The combined use of methods from biology and computer science allows the quality of the soil in urban parks to be predicted in an agile way, which can generate confidence in its use by citizens.

PMID:36639651 | DOI:10.1186/s13040-022-00318-6

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Substance use disorder and alcohol consumption patterns among Dutch physicians: a nationwide register-based study

Addict Sci Clin Pract. 2023 Jan 13;18(1):4. doi: 10.1186/s13722-022-00356-9.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Problematic substance use and Substance Use Disorders (SUD) are common in all layers of the population. Several studies suggest higher prevalence rates of problematic substance use among physicians compared to the general population, which is harmful for themselves and potentially impairs quality of care. However, nationwide comparison with a highly educated reference group is lacking. Using nationwide register data, this study compared the prevalence of clinical SUD diagnoses and alcohol consumption patterns between physicians and a highly educated reference population.

METHODS: A retrospective study was performed using registry data from 2011 up to and including 2019, provided by Statistics Netherlands. From the data, a highly educated reference group was selected and those with an active medical doctor registration were identified as “physicians”. Clinical SUD diagnoses were identified by DSM-IV codes in mental healthcare registries. Benchmark analyses were performed, without statistical testing, to compare the prevalence of SUD diagnoses and alcohol consumption patterns between physicians and the reference population.

RESULTS: Clinical SUD diagnoses were found among 0.3% of the physicians and 0.5% of the reference population, with higher proportions of sedative use disorder among physician patients. Among drinkers, the prevalence rates of heavy and excessive drinking were respectively 4.0% and 4.3% for physicians and 7.7% and 6.4% for the reference population.

CONCLUSION: Prevalence rates of SUD diagnoses were fairly comparable between physicians and the highly educated reference population, but physicians displayed more favorable alcohol consumption patterns. The use of sedatives by physicians might deserve attention, given the relatively higher prevalence of sedative use disorder among physicians. Overall, we observed relatively low prevalence rates of SUD diagnoses and problematic alcohol use, which may reflect a treatment gap and social desirable answers.

PMID:36639645 | DOI:10.1186/s13722-022-00356-9

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Implementing electronic patient reported outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease: patient participation, score reliability and validity

Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2023 Jan 13;21(1):2. doi: 10.1186/s12955-023-02087-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are recommended for assessing patient-centered outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The main aims were to assess the level of participation in an electronic PROM (ePROM) data collection system among patients with IBD, and evaluate reliability and validity of the resulting scores.

METHODS: Patients included in the IBD registry of Maccabi Healthcare Services, a state-mandated healthcare provider for over 2.6 million people in Israel, were invited to complete the IBD-Control measure and a general health item, with follow-up ePROMs at 3 and 6 months including a global rating of change item. Descriptive statistics were used to compare patient characteristics by participation rate, and assess survey completion time. Initial scores were assessed for internal consistency reliability using Cronbach’s alpha. Test-retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient from paired scores of patients identified as unchanged between the initial and first follow-up. Construct validity was assessed by the ability of IBD-control scores to discriminate between patient sub-groups in expected ways. Empirical validity was assessed using ePROM score correlations with laboratory markers of disease activity. Score coverage was also assessed.

RESULTS: A total of 13,588 patients were invited to participate [Mean age = 49 years (SD = 17); females = 51%]. Participation rate was 31.5%. Participants compared to non-participants were slightly older, were more likely to be female, to have a history of biologic treatment, to have higher socio-economic status, and to be more experienced in the usage of the digital patient portal. Median survey completion time was approximately 1:30 min. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were 0.86 and 0.98, respectively. Scores discriminated between patient sub-groups in clinically expected ways, with expected correlations to laboratory markers of disease activity. A notable ceiling effect was observed (> 15%) for IBD-Control scores.

CONCLUSIONS: Feasibility, reliability, and validity of the ePROM system was supported for measuring the level of perceived disease control in patients diagnosed with IBD in Israel. Additional research is needed to identify ways to increase patient participation, assess clinical implications of the identified measurement ceiling of the IBD-control, and evaluate the added value of the derived scores in support of clinical decision making.

PMID:36639633 | DOI:10.1186/s12955-023-02087-0

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Behavioural Change Techniques in Health Coaching-Based Interventions for Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BMC Public Health. 2023 Jan 13;23(1):95. doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-14874-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Given the high rates globally of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), there is a clear need to target health behaviours through person-centred interventions. Health coaching is one strategy that has been widely recognised as a tool to foster positive behaviour change. However, it has been used inconsistently and has produced mixed results. This systematic review sought to explore the use of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) in health coaching interventions and identify which BCTs are linked with increased effectiveness in relation to HbA1C reductions.

METHODS: In line with the PICO framework, the review focused on people with T2DM, who received health coaching and were compared with a usual care or active control group on HbA1c levels. Studies were systematically identified through different databases including Medline, Web of science, and PsycINFO searches for relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in papers published between January 1950 and April 2022. The Cochrane collaboration tool was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. Included papers were screened on the reported use of BCTs based on the BCT taxonomy. The effect sizes obtained in included interventions were assessed by using Cohen’s d and meta-analysis was used to estimate sample-weighted average effect sizes (Hedges’ g).

RESULTS: Twenty RCTs with a total sample size of 3222 were identified. Random effects meta-analysis estimated a small-sized statistically significant effect of health coaching interventions on HbA1c reduction (g+ = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.40). A clinically significant HbA1c decrease of ≥5 mmol/mol was seen in eight studies. Twenty-three unique BCTs were identified in the reported interventions, with a mean of 4.5 (SD = 2.4) BCTs used in each study. Of these, Goal setting (behaviour) and Problem solving were the most frequently identified BCTs. The number of BCTs used was not related to intervention effectiveness. In addition, there was little evidence to link the use of specific BCTs to larger reductions in HbA1c across the studies included in the review; instead, the use of Credible source and Social reward in interventions were associated with smaller reductions in HbA1c.

CONCLUSION: A relatively small number of BCTs have been used in RCTs of health coaching interventions for T2DM. Inadequate, imprecise descriptions of interventions and the lack of theory were the main limitations of the studies included in this review. Moreover, other possible BCTs directly related to the theoretical underpinnings of health coaching were absent. It is recommended that key BCTs are identified at an early stage of intervention development, although further research is needed to examine the most effective BCTs to use in health coaching interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021228567 .

PMID:36639632 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-022-14874-3